Completing all of your back to school shopping before your children return to their place of learning can be a stressful task, which makes online, affordable and easy shopping such a time saver.
When it comes to kids’ school shoes, the one guarantee is they’ll be well-worn and likely to be grown out of before your eyes. Which is why it’s important to find affordable yet high-quality shoes, especially considering they’ll spend five days a week wearing them!
Our top 3 school shoes for 2024
- Clarks Descent School Shoes at Clarks
- Ascent Apex School Shoes at The Athlete’s Foot
- ROC Strobe School Shoes at Williams
So if you’ve ticked off all the essentials and have their school supplies, backpack and lunchbox packed ready to go, read on to find the final piece of the puzzle and grab some school shoes from our top picks below.
The best school shoes to shop for back to school 2024

Clarks Descent School Shoes
$159.95 at Clarks
With a dense insole, these breathable shoes are soft yet durable for days in the playground. They are also made from recycled materials so you can help make the world a bit more sustainable.
Key features:
- Full grain premium leather with moisture wicking.
- Quality mesh lining.
- Padded collar.
- Additional 2mm cushioning.
- Suitable for Orthotics.
Available at:
- $159.95 from Myer
- $159.95 from Shoes & Sox
- $159.99 from The Athlete’s Foot

Ascent Apex School Shoes
$149.99 at The Athlete’s Foot
Avoid slipping and sliding with these durable and grip-able black leather school shoes available in a variety of widths and half sizes to fit any foot.
Key features:
- Six month outsole guarantee perpetual rubber.
- Arch support insole.
- Heel stabiliser.
- Nylon shank.
- Double black full grain leather.
Available at:
- $149.99 from The Iconic

ROC Strobe School Shoes
$159.95 from Williams
For a classic shoe, this top-rated option offers maximum durability while remaining breathable and padded for extra support. With a full-grain leather upper, there is a sleek finish to these playground essentials.
Key features:
- Leather upper and tongue.
- Multi-fit innersoles.
- Lightweight sole.
- Suitable for Orthotics.
Available at:
- $159.95 from Shoes & Sox
- $159.99 from The Athlete’s Foot
- $159.95 from Myer

Clarks Intrigue
$149.95 at Shoes & Sox
If you’re after a Mary Jane style shoe, these premium leather shoes with a buckle fastening are a perfect mixture of practical, stylish and soft for many school days to come.
Key features:
- Full grain aniline premium leather and leather lining.
- Breathable.
- Soft PU moulded footbed.
- Padded collar or extra comfort.
- Lightweight sole.
- Suitable for Orthotics.
Available at:
- $149.95 from Clarks
- $149.95 from Myer
- $149.99 from The Athlete’s Foot

Harrison Dawson School Shoes
$79.96 (usually $99.95) at Shoe Warehouse
If your little one is full of jelly beans, these sporty style shoes will be the perfect fit. Durable, soft, and self-fastening, they will support even the most energetic child.
Key features:
- Soft leather upper.
- Synthetic lining and sock for softness.
- Rubber toe to minimise scuffing.
- Self-fastening straps for easy adjustment.
- Durable rubber soles.
Available at:
- $99.95 from Shoes & Sox
- $99.95 from Myer
What brand of school shoes is the best?
There are are few things to look out for when choosing your go-to school shoe brand – the main things include durability, softness, inner and outer sole quality, and breathability. The top brands that meet the mark in these categories are Clarks, Ascent, and ROC. So get shopping and ensure your children have plenty of fun and protected days in the playground.
Related articles:
- The best affordable school supplies
- The best back to school labels
- How to entertain kids in the school holidays